Join the Conversation

2014 Lexus GX 460 SUV a versatile vehicle

Beyond its massive, newfangled spindle grille, the restyled 2014 Lexus GX 460 feels like a big SUV from a bygone era -- and not necessarily in a good way. That old-school aura extends to the luxury SUV’s handling, interior and fuel economy.
Cars.com

The 2014 model gets the signature Lexus spindle grille for a more distinctive appearance, and the change is also functional thanks to the addition of LEDs (light emitting diodes) for the headlamps, daytime running lights (DRLs) and available foglamps. The GX 460 Premium model becomes the GX Luxury for 2014 with the addition of Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intuitive Parking Assist and 18-inch split six-spoke design wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish.

Power for the Lexus SUV is generated by a 1UR-FE 4.6L V8 prime mover. Torque is communicated to the pavement through an A760F six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with sequential shift.

The GX 460's roster of full-capability chassis systems includes the standard full-time four-wheel drive system that uses an electronically controlled transfer case and a TORSEN® torque-sensing limited slip center differential. The TORSEN differential distributes power 40:60 under most driving conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on wheel slip. The system offers a low range for off-road driving, and the center differential can be electronically locked.

The 4WD has some on-road performance tricks, as well. Tracking through curves, the system can change the torque split to 30:70 to enhance vehicle tracking. If the rear wheels spin, the center differential can change the ratio to 50:50 to help control the slippage. It's also ready for sudden changes in road-surface conditions, such as driving through a puddle or over an ice patch.

Driving off-road requires greater axle and wheel articulation than on-road driving, but it takes special engineering to achieve that capability without compromising on-road cornering. The GX 460 helps solve that dilemma with Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). Lexus was able to make the stabilizer bars stiffer to reduce maximum body-lean angle by as much as 50 percent. KDSS, meanwhile, can continually vary the actual lean resistance using hydraulic cylinders acting on each stabilizer bar and linked by a pressure-sensing valve.

In off-road situations, KDSS reduces the sway resistance, which allows the wheels on each axle to move with a larger degree of side-to-side independence, helping to minimize any tendency for wheel lift. When the GX 460 encounters an uneven surface, one compressed cylinder causes fluid to flow to the other cylinder, helping the vehicle to keep all four wheels on the ground.

Towing, one of the GX 460's particular strengths, gets easier for the 2014 model with the addition of standard Trailer sway control. If trailer sway is affecting handling of the GX 460, this feature uses the Vehicle Stability Control to help bring it under control.

Inside the passenger cabin, the GX 460's wide-ranging outdoor capability gets a boost from some indoor changes for 2014, namely a new multimedia system that uses an innovative customizable home screen. Capable of displaying three sections at once, the screen can be configured as a single display (navigation/map), dual display (navigation/map + audio, compass or other function) or three displays on the same screen (navigation/map + audio + weather). Adding information and clarity, the available navigation system features three dimensional map views.

A new touch-screen display audio adds an eight-inch screen, backup monitor, HD Radio™, Bluetooth® audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio. The new multimedia system also incorporates cache radio which has the ability to pause live radio. It automatically records the previous 15 minutes for convenient replay.

The versatile passenger-side second row seat slides 4.1 inches fore/aft to maximize passenger and cargo carrying ability. The foldable and reclining second row seats also feature a 60/40 walk-in function to access the standard power fold-flat third row seats. The rear door window has a flip-up glass panel for added convenience.

Lexus is cutting $4,710, or nearly 9%, from the base price of the GX 460 SUV. The base model starts at $49,995, including $910 shipping. A high-end version, called Luxury, now starts at $61,625 including shipping, an increase of $2,125, or 3.6%, from the 2013 high-end model. David Dewhurst, Toyota

A new Premium Package will be at the same price as the base 2013 GX 460 and includes navigation system with backup camera, leather, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats and parking assist. David Dewhurst, Toyota